Lancaster Royal Grammar School is a historic secondary and sixth‑form institution with a predominantly listed estate. The Old School House, formerly the headmaster’s residence and later student accommodation, required a comprehensive upgrade to restore its condition and unlock its potential as a modern teaching and learning environment.

A core objective throughout the Old School House refurbishment was to preserve the building’s distinctive historic character. We worked closely with the Victorian Society and the school to ensure heritage considerations were balanced with the need for contemporary educational functionality.

The redesign of the top floor was informed directly by pupil input, ensuring the resulting study and social spaces aligned with user needs and supported a positive student experience.

Bringing the building up to modern standards required full accessibility integration. A new lift was introduced within a sensitively designed extension, with materials carefully selected to complement the existing historic fabric and ensure seamless visual integration.

The project scope included the introduction of new teaching spaces, replacement of deteriorated roofing and window elements, and a full optimisation of internal layouts to maximise usable floor area. Beyond this project, wider work with the school includes estate masterplanning, science department extensions, new catering facilities and collaborative study environments.